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Eat to Boost Immunity

The absolute best way to stay healthy is washing your hands and often. But if you do start to rundown with a cold coming, load up on these four foods to really get back up to speed.

Red Bell Peppers: These veggies are a top source of vitamin C (cup for cup, they have about double the amount as oranges). The nutrient is critical for fighting colds and fatigue, since it helps your body make the white blood cells needed to battle (and potentially beat) an invading infection.

Chicken Soup: The fluid keeps your hydrated and helps thin mucus, preventing and relieving congestion. While other brothy soups will do the job, chicken soup may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Wheat Germ: Sprinkle this on your yogurt or cereal for a dose of zinc, a mineral that lessens the severity and duration of colds. Like vitamin C, zinc helps your body produce white blood cells, the frontline warriors of your immune system.

Sunflower Seeds: Rich in vitamin E, the seeds help your immune system create antibodies that bind to viruses and then assist your body in eliminating them.